The answer is Collaboration between scientists.
While luck can play a role in scientific discoveries, it is often not the primary factor. Many discoveries attributed to luck are usually the result of prepared minds recognizing unexpected results. For example, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin involved an element of luck, but it was his scientific knowledge and curiosity that led to the breakthrough.
Individual knowledge is crucial for scientific progress, as it allows scientists to understand and interpret data, design experiments, and develop theories. However, the complexity of modern scientific problems often requires input from multiple disciplines and perspectives, which can be beyond the capacity of a single individual.
Collaboration between scientists is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to scientific discoveries. It allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and ideas, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions. For instance, the Human Genome Project was a collaborative effort involving scientists from around the world, which led to significant advancements in genetics and medicine.